Fight bad development so we don't become 'Little Atlanta'

It is of great concern to me as a registered voter who does show up at the polls that the government of Athens-Clarke County does not have the best interest of the common people of Athens.

In reviewing the ever increasing tracts of land being developed for apartment complexes geared toward the college population and out-of-town football fans, it seems that profit and greed rather than quality of life are motivating a few to the detriment of many. The developers, who are often not from Athens, have no concern as they come to Athens, rape the land of trees and other resources and happily return to their homes with their pockets full. Of the already numerous apartment complexes in Athens, what percentage are at full capacity? Average rent is $526/month, how many low-income, working-class families, single-parent families, elderly or disabled can afford rent, utilities, transportation and be able to put food on the table?

What about greenspace? There seems no concern about cutting down trees, which take in bad air and put out clean air. These trees are replaced with concrete and mortar. What about the increasing demand on water supply? In case you haven't read the numerous articles in the paper, we have been in a drought for the past 3 or 4 years. How about pollution? We are already breathing pollution not just from Athens but from Atlanta.

I commend the developers who make use of already existing historic buildings (Farmer's Hardware, Coca Cola Bottling Company) to help preserve the historic nature of Athens.

God gave us this beautiful Earth and all of its wonderful resources. Why do we take it for granted, abuse it, mistreat it, exploit it for profit? Speak up voters, and let your new mayor and commissioners know you want quality living in A-CC, not living in the pockets of developers. Let's keep Athens from becoming Little Atlanta.